Brick May Look to Sell Civic Plaza

Township officials may look to sell Civic Plaza, the converted shopping center on Chambers Bridge Road that houses several township offices.

The property was purchased by the township about a decade ago for $960,000 and currently generates $43,000 in income annually for the township, said Business Administrator Scott Pezarras. The township does not owe money on the site, he said.

The plaza currently houses a number of township offices, most notably the recreation department. Income is generated by renting out some space at the site, such as a pizza parlor. If sold, the recreation department would be moved to the Police Athletic League building on Drum Point Road, which the township owns.

Pezarras said an appraisal of Civic Plaza was performed recently, and if the decision is made to offer the building for sale, a reserve bid – essentially a minimum bid – will be set.

"The town is going to have a reserve based on the appraisal we received," said Township Attorney Jean Cipriani. "That reserve - if it's not met, all bids will be rejected."

The appraisal of the building is currently privileged information, Pezarras said, due to the potential bidding process that would occur if the township council authorizes the sale.

Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis said the idea of selling Civic Plaza came up about two years ago when there was an effort underway to consolidate township government.

"Every time you try to reduce cost, you try to consolidate," he said.